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"WHERE DOES THE BIBLE SAY THAT THE BIBLE IS THE ONLY AUTHORITY FOR BELIEVERS?" We received an Email with 21 questions about taking the Bible alone as our authority in religion, the first of which is the title question of this article. In answer to this there are many statements in the Bible that lead to this conclusion that the only safe guide in religion is the Bible. 1. I Corinthians 13:8-10 definitely teaches that there would be an end of prophecy when the perfect was come. In the context the perfect would refer to the inspired prophecies which are the scriptures. In 2 Timothy 3: 16, 17 the scriptures are the profitable doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness making the man of God perfect to every good work. The word "Perfect" in the latter scripture is "artios" meaning complete. The natural conclusion is that the scriptures, once revealed, are a complete guide in religious matters. 2. Ephesians 4:7-16 shows that miraculous gifts were given to the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers in the first century for the perfection of the saints, the work of ministry, and the edifying of the body of Christ. These were given "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (vs. 13). The reason this was given was to give a complete guide so we wouldn't be carried about by every wind of doctrine. The complete guide would be the completed Bible. Since this has been given we can "speak" the truth in love and grow up in Christ in all things. The body of Christ, which is his Church, can with this truth edify itself. So the church instead of giving revelation must follow the revelation given by these inspired men. 3. The twelve apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost day and whatever they bound on earth was bound in heaven and what they loosed on earth was loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:18, 19; 18:18; Acts 1:1-5, 8; 2:1-47). The Jerusalem church continued steadfastly in the "apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42). 4. Paul made it clear that it is by the gospel the apostles preached that we will be judged (Romans 2:16). If we are going to be judged by it then it is an all sufficient guide in religion. We just study it, obey its precepts, and get ready for the judgment day. 5. The twelve apostles sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel in the regeneration. (Matthew 19:28). There is no such thing as apostolic succession in the Christian age. The apostles are still on their thrones. By the way, there are 12 of those thrones not one. The Pope in Rome claims one and claims apostolic succession. The regeneration is the Christian age where there is the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). 6. Peter said, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3). So the apostles were given everything that pertains to life and godliness which they wrote down for us along with others they laid their hands on imparting the gift of prophecy. We have those things in our New Testament. 7. John the apostle had three things to say about the New Testament that argues for its completeness. (A) He said that Jesus did many things more than the things written "but these are written that you might believe that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through his name." (John 20:30, 31). Here he shows that the only saving things that we can believe about Jesus are in the written word. (B) He said, "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son." (2 John 9). (C) He said, "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book: And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." (Revelation 22:18, 19). In this he not only referred to the book of Revelation ("this book) but to the whole New Testament ("the book of this prophecy"). 8. When Christ promised the Holy Spirit to the Apostles he said, "However when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth, for He will not speak of His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will show you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it unto you." (John 16:13, 14). Keep in mind that the Holy Spirit came upon those apostles on Pentecost day as recorded in Acts 2. They were guided into all truth and it is by that truth recorded that we can know the will of God for our lives. Someone may ask, "What about Luke, Mark, James and Jude who were not of the apostles yet wrote books of the New Testament?" They were endowed with the laying on of the apostles hands examples of which are found in Acts 6:6; Acts 8:18; Acts 19:1-6; 2 Timothy 1:6. Jude, one of these writers, said, "Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 3). Notice that "the faith" refers to the New Testament gospel (Galatians 1:23). Notice also that it has been once for all delivered to the saints. We have it in the completed New Testament and are warned not to add to nor take from it. 9. Jesus promised that "heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Mat. 24:35). Under the mighty hand of God he has seen to it that the word has been preserved, collected, printed and distributed to the people of this world. Many people, both Catholic and Protestant have had a hand in this. I believe Jesus when he said that his words Awill not pass away. We have them in our Bibles. Trust and obey them.
2. WHAT IS THE FOUNDATION OF THE TRUTH FOR CHRISTIANS? This is the second of 21 questions asked us on our email by a Bible student. They went on to say, "After responding compare your response with Paul's in 1 Timothy 3:15." Now Paul stated to Timothy that he should behave himself in the house of God which is the church of the living God the pillar and ground of the truth. This student is implying that the church is the revealer of the truth and not the Bible. We have reason to believe that this is not the meaning of 1 Timothy 3:15. Here are some reasons that the scriptures are the truth and the church is not the revealer of the truth. The church is the result of the truth. The Greek "Ecclesia" translated church in 1 Timothy means the called out. Paul told the Thessalonians that people are called by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14). The church of the Thessalonians were an occasion of rejoicing to the apostle Paul because "when you received the word of God which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2: 13). The church at Ephesus where Timothy was told to behave himself was also the result of the word of truth being taught to them by Paul. He told them, "In whom you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in which also after that you believed, you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." (Ephesians 1:13). The spiritual seed to be planted in peoples' hearts is the word of God (Luke 8: 11). When good and honest people hear this word and obey it they are saved from their sins and are then added to the church (Acts 2:47). So these are those of whom the church consists. They are not revealers of the truth but supporters, teachers, and defenders of revealed truth. The apostles were given the message to save souls and make them part of the church. The message of truth revealed in the word of God needs to be followed to make congregations of the church. Then those congregations need to promote that truth, and support that truth. This is truly being the pillar and ground of the truth. 3. WHERE DOES EITHER JESUS OR ONE OF HIS FOLLOWERS SAY THE CHRISTIAN FAITH SHALL BE BASED EXCLUSIVELY ON A BOOK? Answer: The Apostle John said, "And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:30, 31). Also Paul wrote to the Romans: "But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, 'Do not say in your heart, who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, 'Who will descend into the abyss? (that is to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say, 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is the word of faith which we preach)". (Romans 10:6-8). The "We" would be the apostles and this preaching it is in the New Testament which we have. Then after telling them they had to confess the Lord Jesus and believe in their hearts that God raised him from the dead would be saved. In Romans 10 17 he concluded, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." So the Christian Faith comes by the word of God. The exclusive way to obtain saving faith is by hearing and obeying the word of God. 4. IF CHRISTIANITY IS A "RELIGION OF THE BOOK," HOW DID IT FLOURISH DURING THE FIRST 1,500 YEARS OF CHURCH HISTORY WHEN THE VAST MAJORITY OF PEOPLE WERE ILLITERATE? Answer: I do not know that it flourished during all this period of time. All the histories I have read show that a rapid and thorough apostasy from the truth took place during this 1500 year time. The apostle Paul assembled the elders of the church at Ephesus and told them "take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." (Acts 20:28-31). Furthermore he commended them to God, and to the word of his grace "which is able to build you up, and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." (Acts 20:32). History records that by 150 A.D. there had arisen a bishop over each congregation of the church. It wasn't long until they claimed "apostolic succession". Then there arose the city bishops with even more power. By 185 A. D. there was interest in trying to establish a succession of bishops back to the Apostles. Cyprian of Carthage (195-268 A.D.) did much to claim that the Bishops had a special measure of the Holy Spirit. He also taught that Peter was the rock on which the church was built, that he was the first bishop of Rome and that the succeeding bishops there were first ordained by Peter. Also a separate priesthood patterned after the Old Testament priests was established. Clergy-Laity distinctions were unknown in the New Testament times because all the Christians were priests (I Peter 2:9, 10). In the Bible all Christians were one (Galatians 3:27-29). Constantine, the Roman emperor, encouraged a human head of the church. He also called church councils and proclaimed their decisions as laws of the land. He did more to form the government in the now Roman Catholic Church than any other. He encouraged them to pattern it after the government of the Roman Empire. During the 3rd Century many sects arose and many diverse doctrines arose. With the uniting of the church with the Roman Empire people joined the church without conversion, pagan usages began to be "Christianized" and the church became worldly. It was in Protest of some of the doctrines that arose and the power of the church dignitaries that Protestantism arose. Instead of a flourishing church it was a time of ignorance of the word and superstitions. The Reformation movement was a movement to give the Bible back to the people. -C. D. 5. IF JESUS CATEGORICALLY CONDEMNED ALL ORAL TRADITION (CF. MATTHEW 15:3, 6; Mark 7:8-13), WHY THEN DOES HE COMMAND HIS LISTENERS TO FOLLOW THE ORAL TRADITION OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES BECAUSE THEY "SIT IN MOSES' SEAT (MATTHEW 23:2)? 1. Jesus made it very clear that they transgressed the commandment of God by their traditions (Matthew 15:3). He gave an example of their saying they pledged the support that should have gone to their aged parents to the Lord rather than honoring father and mother thus breaking the law. Jesus also went further to say "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:9). There are many today who are doing the same things. They have decided what is right and made a commandment out of it rather than following the teaching of the Lord. Furthermore Jesus said they established institutions based on the commandments of men and that "every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted shall be rooted up." (Matthew15:13). Human teachings, establishing human institutions, carrying out human laws are not in a very good position with the Lord. Some traditions can be innocent and might even have some benefit but when they become a rule that has to be followed to stay in fellowship or to be right with God - they then become wrong. In Matthew 23:1-3 Jesus said "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe, but do not according to their works; for they say, and do not." Since Jesus had condemned their following the traditions of men that made void the Law of Moses 'this has to be limited to the things written in the law that they taught also. The people were to follow the truths of the law they taught but not the elaborate traditions which they also bound. He went on to point out that they did not observe these traditions themselves unless it was something that drew undue attention to themselves. In Verses 4-12 he pointed out that they made broad phylacteries and enlarged borders on their garments, sought chief places in the synagogue and the streets, and wanted religious titles to appear righteous to men when in reality they were pretenses. Jesus taught men to be humble and to be servants rather than appearing super religious. The entire 23rd chapter of Matthew is a series of rebukes to these religious pretenses. Jesus never taught his disciples to observe the ridiculous traditions the scribes and Pharisees bound on people. 6. IF PAUL CATEGORICALLY CONDEMNED ALL ORAL TRADITION (CF. COLOSSIANS 2:8), WHY THEN DOES HE TELL THE THESSALONIANS TO "HOLD THE TRADITIONS WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN TAUGHT, WHETHER BY WORD OF MOUTH OR BY LETTER" (2 THESSALONIANS 2:l5)? Colossians 2:8 states, "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." This is just like the statements of our Lord in his personal ministry as stated in Matthew 15: 1- 13 and does condemn the traditions of men. Many false teachings were arising at the time that Paul gave this inspired injunction. The book of Colossians was affirming that Christ has the preeminence (Colossians 1:18). In Colossians 2: 10 he says "you are complete in him who is the head of all principality and power." In Colossians 2:14-17 he pointed out that Christ "wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And he has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” This referred the old Law of Moses being taken away in favor of the pure, effectual, and perfect gospel of the New Testament. Then in Colossians 2:18 he said, "Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head...." In Verse 20-22 he said, "Do you subject yourselves to regulations - 'Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,' which all concern things which perish with using - according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh." In this the great apostle Paul soundly condemned all philosophical traditions of men which are being taught today in every denominational church and sect whether Catholic or Protestant. But what about 2 Thessalonians 2: 15 which states, "Therefore brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle"? The "traditions" referred to here are not the teachings of mere men but of the apostles of Jesus Christ. Notice that it was taught in words presented in inspired lessons or sermons presented to these brethren by inspired men or by "epistle" which would include 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Paul said he had been "approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts." (I Thessalonians 2:4) The Greek word is "paradoseis" which refers to what God gave them rather than originating with themselves. This word is used sometimes of the "traditions of men" but here it is "the traditions which you were taught". Now what was that? Let Paul explain it - "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe." (I put these words in bold letters because they so effectively explain the truth about 2 Thessalonians 2:15 - C.D.). The reason Paul told the Thessalonians to keep these inspired traditions is that they could not be saved unless they did. In Galatians 1:8 he stated, "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed." He also stated, "But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1:11, 12).
7. "WHERE DOES THE BIBLE SAY GOD'S WORD IS RESTRICTED ONLY TO WHAT IS WRITTEN DOWN?" A. John 20:30, 31 points out "And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name." This was written down in the gospel of John and the things written in the pages of the New Testament are what produces saving faith (Rom. 10:17). We don't have anything else that will produce it. B. The Apostles were told that when the Holy Spirit came upon them that He would guide them into all truth (John 16:13). That refers to the complete message revealed to the apostles. That is the message in the 27 books of the New Testament. C. John also said of himself and the other apostles - "We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error." (I John 4:6). The apostles are not on earth today speaking to us, but they are speaking to us by the New Testament they gave. If a person does not hear that message he is "not of God". D. Paul speaks of "in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel". (Romans 1:16). He also stated, "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you that what we have preached to you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8). E. The message was first spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ. Then it was confirmed to us by those who heard him. (Hebrews 2:3) The ones who heard him were the inspired apostles. We have that message. It is complete or perfect (I Corinthians 13:10). They are complete in that they are written to keep us from sins (I John 2:1). The Revelator was told that the things revealed to him were to be written (Revelation 1: 11). In Revelation 22: 18, 19 we are told not to add to them nor take from them. That shows God chose to have his message complete to man in the New Testament. Also the "gifts and caning of God are without repentance" (Romans 11:29).
8. "If the writers of the New Testament saw Scripture as the only authority, why did they often refer to oral tradition as authoritative and as God's word (see Matthew 2:23; 23:2; I Corinthians 10:4; I Peter 3:19; Jude 9, 14-15)? In answer to this question let us look at the references referred to see if really oral tradition was accounted authoritative. A. Matthew 2:23 "And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene." Notice it did not say a prophet said this but "the prophets" in the plural. The reference is to a general feeling that people had which is expressed by Nathaniel, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46). The feeling was to reject any prophet and especially one claiming to be the Son of God if he came out of Nazareth. It must not have been noted for its prophets. Now the Prophets of the Old Testament said Jesus would be rejected by men. Isaiah said, "He is despised and rejected of men" (Isaiah 53:3). David said, "The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone." (Psalms 118:22). Christ himself placed a great deal of emphasis on the fact that he was from Nazareth. He spoke from heaven to Saul saying, "I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting." (Acts 22:8). So the meaning of the prophets was interpreted by Jesus Christ himself. Are we going to call this an oral tradition? B. Matthew 23:2, 3 states, "'The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not." They were supposed authorities on Moses' law and Jesus is reflecting to their teaching it. As long as they taught the law these disciples, (who were still living under the Law), were told to observe. It was when they taught traditions of men that their teaching was condemned (see Matthew 15:1-14). This is certainly not teaching them to observe oral traditions of men. And anyway, these scribes and Pharisees didn't even observe the law they taught so the disciples were told to not do as they did - but instead to observe God's Law. C. I Corinthians 10:4 states, "And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ." This is speaking of the Lord providing them water out of the rock when Moses smote it with his staff at the command of God. (Exodus 17:6). Here is a revelation that Jesus was with Israel in the wilderness and providing for their needs. This is not an oral tradition but a revelation. That same Jesus gives to the Christian the water of spiritual life (John 4:14). D. I Peter 3:18-20 states, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water." Now notice that Christ went by "the Spirit" to those souls in prison and preached to them. He did this by the person of Noah because in 2 Peter 2:5 Noah is called "a preacher of righteousness". The ""spirits in prison" are called "the ungodly" in 2 Peter 2:5. They were in prison in the sense of under condemnation. God in his longsuffering was giving them a chance to repent and be saved from the flood. Only Noah's family listened and were saved which were the 8 persons. This again is not an oral tradition but a revelation of the Holy Spirit to Peter who was given the keys of the kingdom to write 1 and 2 Peter. It is a great lesson on the longsuffering of God which is also extended to mankind today (2 Peter 3:9). The references to Jude will be in a continuation of this series of answers to questions. We close this lesson with, "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts" (2 Peter 1: 19). E.) Jude 14, 15 states, "Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, 'Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly man, and of all the harsh thing which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him'" Here is one of those truths which are not recorded elsewhere in the Bible but given by "Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:12).
9. "On what biblical basis do non-Catholic Christians believe that everything the Apostles taught is captured in the New Testament writings?" A. There is no claim that everything the apostles taught is included in the New Testament. John declared, "And truly, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name." (John 20:30, 31). In John 21:25 he also declared "And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen." (John 21:25). In Divine economy the Holy Spirit only revealed what was necessary so we could believe on Christ though we have never seen him. Even the apostle Paul said he wrote a letter to the Corinthians which we do not have in the New Testament (I Corinthians 5:9). We need to believe in the words of Jesus when he said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." (Matthew 24:35). God in His providence has seen to it that the true teachings of Jesus Christ that are a complete guide for us are found in the New Testament.
B. There is a statement made that prefaced question nine which is: "Most of the books of the New Testament were written to address very specific problems in the early Church, and none of them is a systematic presentation of Christian faith and theology." This is true but God wanted it that way. Men have put together some very fine books on systematic theology, yet there are some contradictions due to each writer's personal beliefs. This is what makes them the books of men instead of inspiration. However Luke's preface was, "Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning where eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus." (Luke 1:1-3). We may not understand just what is meant by this statement. It would seem that in a study of Luke we get things grouped together according to subject matter rather than the events of the life of Christ in systematic order. Keep in mind, "prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:21). God expects us to "be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy C. We can study the Bible for a lifetime and still glean new truths from it. However basic principles can be clearly understood if we take all that is said on a subject and accept it all. One can glean what he needs to do to be saved from his past sins by reading the accounts of Jesus meeting with the apostles after his resurrection as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 16; and Luke 24:44-49). One can thrill to the examples of conversion as he reads the book of Acts. One can learn just what the church is and how to set in order congregations of the church by noticing the over 100 references to the same in the New Testament. Standards of Christian living are clearly set forth in the epistles. The purpose of Revelation is actually to show us that through Jesus Christ we can overcome the devil and be victorious over this world. D. However all the traditions that have been taught by men are confusing and disrupting to our faith. It seems like that every time a person wanted to believe something new that he found an excuse to believe it by either concocting some tradition or quoting some uninspired man about it. For instance, the teaching of the perpetual virginity of Mary. This is based on the fact that Jesus "did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" (I Peter 2:22). But Augustine taught that all are born sinners, and according to this Jesus was born of Mary therefore would have to be born a sinner also. To keep this from being so the human teaching formed that Mary was different than all other women and without sin. But if she was a wife to Joseph and a mother to other children she would have been like other women -so the concocted teaching that she was a perpetual virgin. It would have been much easier to accept Ezekiel's statement that the child does not bear the iniquity of parents (Ezekiel18:20), which is that children do not inherit sin. Sin is something committed when a person falls victim to evil lusts (James 1:13-15). It was here that Jesus did no sin. He did not fall to temptations though Satan put many before him. Without this human tradition the Bible would be much more easily understood when quoting the question the people of Nazareth made of Jesus "Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon and Judas? And his sisters, are they not with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?" (Matthew 13:55, 56). It would be much better to accept the statement of the Apostle Peter who said, "As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promise, that throughout these you may be partakes of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (2 Peter 1:3, 4). C. D. 10. "If the meaning of the Bible is clear and easily interpreted, and if the Holy Spirit leads every Christian who asks for His guidance to interpret it rightly, why then are there tens of thousands of separate Bible-believing denominations, and millions of individual Christians, who interpret the Bible differently?" (1.) First the Bible is not clear and easily interpreted. It takes study to show ourselves approved unto God. (2 Timothy 2:15). We have to read with an open and understanding heart to understand the revealing of the mysteries of godliness (Ephesians 3:3-5). Too many people take isolated verses with fabulous promises as the total gospel but they understand neither context nor to whom the message is being given. Limited promises for specific purposes are given unlimited interpretations by too many people. People have to equip themselves with the basics of reading and understanding to be able to understand the message of Christ. Then they ask for wisdom from God to help them (James 1:5). Otherwise they come up with some man's ideas rather than God's truth. There are certain common sense rules of study that need to be applied to the study of the Word. Also each person's conclusions need to be tested and examined by others to see if they fit into the pattern of truth. (2.) The Holy Spirit does not contradict Himself. A great scripture to keep in mind is "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift." (Ephesians 4:3-7). People are not doing much "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." There are very few who are looking for the one body and who are seeking to be guided by the one Spirit in His way. They are just arguing their own case with their own slant. It isn't the Holy Spirit's fault that there are tens of thousands of denominations and millions of people who are believing the same thing. The problem came when people started following other people rather than strictly following the Lord. Read the apostle Paul's inspired conclusions about this in I Corinthians 1: 1 0-18. Concerning following Paul and Apollos he also stated "Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other." (I Corinthians 4:6). The Lord went to the trouble to give us the Bible so we would be equipped for the work of ministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4: 12). It is called "the unity of the faith" in Ephesians 4:13. Its purpose is to keep us from being tossed about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men. We should all be members of One Body and working together to build up the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:16).
(3.) The Holy Spirit does not direct one person to do something contrary to what another person does. I am acquainted with "For as many as are let by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God" (Romans 8: 14). However in the same chapter we find that "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2). Also "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." (Romans 8:5). This shows that the Spirit directs through the message he gave the apostles for us. This is how He leads mankind. It isn't a feeling or a thought put into the heart of man directly but it is the thoughts of the Word of God in the Bible. (5.) Most people feel like that good deeds done to others makes up for lack of Biblical teaching in their churches and institutions. The Lord did place a great deal of emphasis on "let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." (I John 3:18). This indeed enhances true Bible teaching. This is truth put into action. However, are we doing a person a justice by being kind, loving and helpful while at the same time feeding him a teaching that will poison his soul? If that teaching is something else than the message of the New Testament Scriptures it cannot save his soul. "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." (1 Corinthians 1:21). "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and doctrine." (2 Timothy 4:2). It is sad that so many different teachings are taught every day by differing people while they are also saying that the Bible is an all sufficient guide in religion. We need a sound system of Hermeneutics a) to know God and His will for us, b) to bring about unity in the religious world, c) To answer the infidel objections to Christianity, and d) to know what to do to be saved. Things that hinder this are: a) a desire on the part of many to please the world; b) making the Bible the property of the religious leaders; c) using the mystic approach; d) having sinister motives; e) . Making it a book of wonders; and, f) having a thirst for distinction. 11. Where is the word 'Trinity' in the Bible? (From where does the word originate?) , I looked in my concordances and did not find the word trinity in the listings. I do not recall the word in my Bible reading. I did find it in the Webster's Collegiate Dictionary and the information I gleaned was that the Old French word is "Trinite" and the "LL word is trinital-trinitas state of being threefold. The first definition of Webster was "Unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three persons in the Godhead." It is interesting that in the King James Version of the Bible I John 5:7 states, "For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one." This verse is not found in the American Standard Bible or in the New International Version of the Bible. The reason being that it was not in the early Greek Manuscripts of the Bible. Erasmus was the first to publish an edition of the printed Greek text of the New Testament in 1516. In the first and second editions I John 5:7 was not found. He was asked why he didn't include it. He said if a manuscript could be found with this verse in it he would put it in the next edition of his Greek New Testament. It was found in two manuscripts that date from the 14th and 15th centuries. In Erasmus' third edition of his Greek New Testament he included I John 5:7. This was the edition that William Tyndale used in translating the New Testament into English and this passed on down to the translation of the King James Version. Some scribe copied it out of the Latin Bible into a Greek manuscript and Erasmus put it into his Greek New Testament. In the NIV a footnote states that it is found in late manuscripts of the Vulgate. Throughout the scriptures the truth of the statement that there is The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit of the Godhead is definitely shown. That Christ is God is shown in John 1:1-3. Also in John 10:30 He said that He and the Father are One. This oneness is the same as that Jesus prayed for in John 17:20, 21 - "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You Father, are in Me, and I in You they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." They are one in essence, purpose, works, and words but not one in persons. Jesus referred to "My heavenly Father" many times in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit is also shown in Acts 5:3-4. In verse 3 Ananias is told that he lied to the Holy Spirit and in verse 4 he is told that he lied to God, so the Holy Spirit and God are used interchangeably. The three are all spoken of in 2 Corinthians 13:14. The three are also at the baptism of Jesus. Jesus is in the water being baptized, the Father in heaven saying "this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased," and the Holy Spirit is descending as a dove upon Jesus. (Matthew 3:16, 17). We are to be baptized into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). The Christian has communion with all three. In Keeping the words of Jesus the Father and the Son make their abode with the Christian (John 14:23). Also he receives the Gift of the Holy Spirit when he repents and is baptized (Acts 2:38). While Trinity is not found in the New Testament, Webster's first definition of it is definitely shown many times in the New Testament and taught in the Old Testament as well. 12. Where is the word 'Bible' in the Bible?" Our English word "Bible" comes from the Greek "biblos" translated book in Matthew 1:1 - "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ". When Jesus entered into his ministry at Nazareth synagogue "And there was delivered unto Him the book (biblion)...and when he had opened the book (biblion)" (Luke 4:17). Ancient books were written on the "biblus" or Papyrus reed and from this came the word "biblos". It eventually came to be applied to the sacred books (Mark 12:26; Luke 3:4; Acts 1:20; 7:42). To find the word in the Bible one has to take a Greek New Testament and see the work in the Greek and he can begin at Matthew 1: 1. Passages of the Bible were called "Scriptures" 27 times in the New Testament and twice called "holy Scriptures" (Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15). They are referred to as the "Oracles of God" 4 times. I Peter 4: 11 commands that if any man speaks he should speak as the Oracles of God.
13. Where does the Bible expressly forbid the practices of slavery, stem cell research, and cloning?" The Lord Jesus Christ took people where they were and showed them how to live. In I Corinthians 7:20, 21 states, "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Are you called being a slave? Care not for it; but if you may be made free, use it rather." When the Christian master, Philemon, had his slave, Onesimus, to run away, the slave came in contact with Paul in Rome, was converted and sent back with the book of Philemon. In this book Paul instructs Philemon to receive Onesimus back "not as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved." (Philemon 15, 16). Christianity broke down slavery by teaching the Christians to practice the principles of the golden rule (Matthew 7:12), and to love one another (John 13:34, 35). Every Christian is to be a servant of Christ doing the will of God from the heart (Colossians 3:23). So if all people became Christians there would be no slaves of men but all would be servants of Christ (Romans 6:16-18). All would treat others as they would like to be treated. God told the first man and woman to be fruitful and replenish the earth (Genesis 1:28). He has never rescinded this method of making other human beings. He said the same thing about the animals (Genesis 1:22). He has never changed his law here either. 14. How do we know that Matthew wrote the first Gospel? If you are referring to authorship I quote F. N. Peloubet on page 392 of his Bible Dictionary: "That this gospel was written by Matthew the apostle, there is no reason to doubt. Seventeen independent witnesses of the first four centuries attest its genuiness." If you are speaking of the order of the gospels what difference does it make as to who wrote first. Each book is a unit within itself and can be harmonized with the others in content. 15. Where in the Bible do we find an inspired and infallible list of the books that are supposed to belong in the Bible or the criteria by which we are to judge the inspiration of the books?" (a) Per se we do not have an infallible list of the books that are in our Bibles listed in the scriptures themselves, but we do have Christ's promise that they would be preserved (Matthew 24:35). God that created this world and will one day destroy it can see to it that we have the books of the Bible He ordained that we have them. (I Peter 1:24, 25). Its part of man's study program to find which books belong in the Bible. (b) The Lord Jesus Christ, after his resurrection, gave sanction to the 39 books of the Old Testament in Luke 24:44 saying "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the prophets and Psalms concerning me." The Arrangement of the Jews to their writings was spoken of in these three categories which included all 39 books of the Old Testament. To deny this is to deny the integrity of the Son of God. Josephus, the Jewish historian who wrote somewhere between 30 and 100 A.D. numbered these as 22 books. The Jewish arrangements and combinations of the books put the 39 books we accept into 22 books and they were accepted by Jesus Christ as of God. The 27 books of the New Testament were accepted by the Christians of the second century era as genuine. Great Bible Scholars down through the centuries through their research have concluded that we have the right books in our New Testaments. 16. How do you know, from the Bible alone, the individual books of the New Testament are inspired, even though they make no claim to be inspired?" Because of the promise of Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:35. 17. Why do non-Catholic Christian scholars recognize the early church councils of Hippo and Carthage as the first instance in which the New Testament canon was officially ratified, but ignore the fact that those same councils ratified the Old Testament canon used by the Catholic Church today are abandoned by the Protestants in the sixteenth century?" Early Christians wrote about the seriousness with which they tested books and letters sent to them to find out which were genuine. The tests included: (1) Does the book claim inspiration? (2) Is is written by an Apostle? (3) If not, is its contents in keeping with Apostolic teaching - whether orally or in books already written by Apostles? (4) Is it accepted by loyal churches (i.e. loyal to Apostolic teaching) and read in their worship services? (5) Last, but not lest, does it have the 'ring of genuineness'? With these things before them the early Christians used the genuine books and rejected the spurious and we have them quoting the genuine as "scriptures". Gradually they found what the Lord wanted them included in the Bible and so we have the 27 books of the the New Testament and the 39 books of the Old Testament. As for the Apocryphal books of the Old Testament found in the Confraternity version of the Catholic Bible here are some reasons they are not in Protestant Bibles: 1) They were never included in the Hebrew Scriptures. 2) Jesus and the Apostles did not accept them. 3) they were not accepted by Jewish and Christian writers. 4) They do not evidence intrinsic qualities of inspiration. 5) They are shrouded with continual uncertainty. 6) they cannot be maintained on a compromise basis. 7) Dictatorial authority doesn't overrule these objections. The historian Josephus stated that the last of the Old Testament inspired writings was during the reign of Artaxerxes, king of Persia. This would be between 445 and 432 B. C. closing out the work of Nehemiah and Malachi. Every one of the Apocryphal books are dated this side of those events and were never accepted by the Jews as inspired books.
18. How were the bishops of Hippo and Carthage able to determine the correct canon of Scripture, in spite of the fact that they believed distinctly Catholic doctrines, such as the apostolic succession of bishops, sacrifice of the Mass, Real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, baptismal regeneration, the special role of the Virgin Mary, the intercession of the Saints, and so on?" I can't answer that question because I do not know the hearts of people. People often contradict themselves arriving at the truth on one point and missing it on many other points. Apostolic succession of bishops gradually came into being from the third century on but for a long time they equally honored the bishops of Jerusalem, Alexandria, Antioch, Constantinople, and Rome. Constantine had much to do with this because he presided at the council of Nicaea and stated at its conclusion that the decrees they decided on were the divine will of God when they were only the conclusions of 318 bishops and himself. The other doctrines you mention in this question gradually became a part of the thinking of church officials over years. The canon of Scripture was determined before the end of the first century by the Christians on sound basis and did not include the apocrypha.
19. The founders of Protestantism rejected the Catholic Old Testament in favor of the canon in favor of the canon formed by the Jewish Council of Jamnia near the end of the first century A. D. Why do non-Catholic Christians follow the decisions of a post-apostolic, Jewish council on the boundaries of the canon of the Old Testament?" The decisions about the Apocryphal books were made long before the Jewish Council of Jamnia. Jesus and the Apostles did not quote from them. If they referred to a truth that was in them it was because this was a truth not because the Apocryphal books contained them. The 7 rules of determining what should be included in the Canon of the Old Testament are given on the answer to question 16. 20.” It has been estimated that as many as five new Christian denominations are formed every week. Typically, a new denomination is formed when a group breaks off from the larger assembly over a disagreement in teaching. Even more commonly, individual Christians tend to "church shop", traveling from one assembly to the next, searching for the truth. Who may authoritatively arbitrate between Christians who claim to led by the Holy Spirit into mutually contradicting interpretations of the Bible?" A. It is frustrating and appalling that five new Christian denominations are being formed each week. This is in spite of the Savior's prayer that we believe on him through their word and be united together so the world will believe (John 17:20, 21). Too many do not believe on Christ through "their word" but through feelings, family teaching, following some dynamic leader, mass hypnosis, errors in scholarship, philosophies of theologians, and countless other things. This opens up Pandora's box rather than helpful faith. Is it too much to accept Romans 10: 17 - "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God"? Is it too much to ask people to follow Facts rather than Feelings? It could be a good thing if people Church shopped with a good understanding of what is right and wrong. They would then be able to then "discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5:14). Instead of people looking for a new denomination that suits their beliefs better they need to be repudiating all denominations and going back to the "body of Christ" (I Corinthians 12:13, 20). The "ones" of Ephesians 4:4-6 need to be sought. B. I have found that most divisions are over opinions of people rather than over Bible teaching. Now those might be opinions over what the Bible says but usually if people would just calmly consider "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." (Deuteronomy 29:29). I realize this is an Old Testament statement but it also applies to "the law of liberty" (James 1:25). It is a principle that men need to apply when trying to understand the scriptures. The scriptures are their best interpreters so find the proper understanding by cross referencing. Even then in some matters of opinion we need to throw the mantle of love over and accept one another even with differing views (I Peter 4:8). This, of course, would be small things that have nothing to do with the salvation of the soul. (Read Romans 14). Take your time in developing your faith. Use reasoning powers rather than too much emotion. We need to be "understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17). And we need to "prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2). There is entirely too much prejudice in religion and not enough "Come let us reason together, Says the LORD" (Isaiah 1:18).
"21. Matthew 18:17 says "the church" is the final authority in settling disputes among Christians. However, if two Christians have a disagreement, and one is a Lutheran and the other a member of the Assembly of God, to whose church should they go to settle the dispute." A. As to who would be authoritative in arbitrating between Christians differences, it certainly wouldn't be ANY DENOMINATION no matter how well known. With love for God first in their hearts and love for one another as the second commandment they should be able to decently discuss any matter with one another. Summits or conferences just will not do the job because there is too much show involved, some trying to flaunt their authority, and people making names for themselves. Many of the divisions of the world would be alleviated if we had good Bible students discussing matters by the scriptures. People are not led by the Holy Spirit unless they are led by the word of God. The people after the Spirit mind the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:5). The Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit and we have their words in the Bible (2 Peter 1:21). B. Matthew 18: 17 states, "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector." Context here refers to a local congregation assembled together because in verse 20 the Lord Said, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." Later on Paul, by inspiration, told the church in Corinth to come together and by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to deliver the incestuous man to Satan (I Corinthians 5:4,5). Now the power of the Lord Jesus Christ identified in Romans 1:16 is the Gospel. To be assembled "in His name" is to assembly by His authority. Inspiration states, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." So "the church" is the local congregation of the Body of Christ which is the only organization of the church. In Matthew 18:1 the disciples came to Jesus asking "who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" This would be the 12 who discussed among themselves who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven. He answered by talking about how people need to humble themselves and become as little children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. Also he went on to show the disciples the importance of not offending any weak children of God. He then shows how important it is to settle our differences and in case we cannot that the local church is the place to carry a matter in dispute before all the brethren assembled. Then in verse 18, right in the middle of this discussion, the Lord said to the disciples (which would be the 12), "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." The 12 apostles were here given authority to reveal the message of truth which would be binding on the world. This message is the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is the New Testament. It is the standard to settle disputes with the assembled local church being the only group that can administer it and they have to agree on it. 22. Non-Catholic Christians often downplay the disagreement that exists between the denominations by claiming to agree on "the really important and necessary things." Who decides for certain what things are important and necessary and what are not? Non-Catholics common disagree with one another on matters such as how we are saved, Eternal Security, predestination, Baptism, the necessity of speaking in tongues, and the End Times (the Rapture, the Millennium, etc.). Are these matters really unimportant or unnecessary?" (1) Protestants do not really agree on anything neither important nor unimportant. There are divergent views even on Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit. Protestantism is really a failure to represent true Christianity. The only thing that the movement has given to the world is the importance of the Bible. We each individually have to take it as authority, and learning how to use it, decide what is right and what is wrong. (2) On the matter as how we are saved the best thing to do is to begin with the resurrection appearances of Jesus where he affirms that all authority in heaven and in earth have been given to him. In Matthew 28:19, 20 he declared that the disciples were to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Then they were to be taught to teach others. In Mark 16:15, 16 he emphasized that the gospel is to be preached to every person and he who believes and is baptized shall be saved. In Luke 24:46, 47 the necessity of repentance is taught. Putting all this together we would see the importance of preaching the gospel and for people believing, repenting and being baptized for them to be saved. If you went to the various ideas of Protestantism you would be forever confused as to how to be saved. (3) On the matter of Eternal Security Paul showed us "Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he falls" (I Corinthians 10: 12). Jesus said that "he that endures to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 24:13). Christians have to fight the devices of Satan to destroy their faith every day of their lives. We are told to fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life (I Timothy 6: 12). The only shield of the Christian is the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16). (4) On the matter of predestination God predestinated Christ as the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8) and the things of Christianity for the salvation of the souls of all men. Then he says "Whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17). (5) As for baptism in water, as far as I have checked, all versions of the Bible place it before a person is promised salvation. Note Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; I Peter 3:21. Also Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12 call it a burial. (6) Tongues are shown by Paul to be secondary to prophecy in I Corinthians 14. In I Corinthians 12:31 and 13:8-10 he shows a better way than tongue speaking and that is "the perfect" identified as the New Testament in James 1:25 and I Peter 1 :24, 25. (7) As to end times Matthew 24:36-51 that the Lord Jesus Christ will come suddenly, unannounced, and in power to bless the righteous and punish the evil doers. We don't have to speculate on details. Instead we need to watch ourselves and keep faithful. (8) "The Rapture" is not found in any Bible I have been reading. I checked out the King James, New King James, American Standard, New International Version, Contemporary English, and Confraternity but I did not find the word. I had to consult a human theology book to find the word. The thought of the Rapture is based on the premillenial theory that Christ is coming with his saints to reign on earth for a thousand years which is a human interpretation of many different verses in many different places. I suppose they feel that if he is coming with his saints (I Thessalonians 3:13) (those saints being the people in Christ), then they will have to be with him prior to his coming. This presumption then interprets I Thessalonians 4:16, 17 to mean that the dead in Christ will arise and those living be changed and meet him in the air for a prophetical week of 7 years. (There are three divergent views of this according to Wycliffe's Bible Encyc1opedia). Then he will come with them and reign on earth for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:1-6). None of this fits the truths of the Bible. First of all I Thessalonians 4:16, 17 says those caught up to meet the Lord in the air will EVER BE WITH THE LORD. This would be a lot longer than 7 years. Then the idea of a 1000 year reign on earth doesn't fit the Lord's coming either. When he comes the earth and the works therein will be burned up (2 Peter 3:10). So there won’t be any heaven and earth for the Lord to come to nor reign on. Further, all the dead will be raised at the coming of the Lord and the kingdom wi1l be delivered up to the Father in heaven (I Corinthians15:24-26). That will be the end of time. There is no future 1000 year reign on earth after the Lord comes again. There is no temporary Rapture. When the saved meet the Lord it will be forever with the Lord. (9) These are just a few of the things that a good study of the Bible will straighten people out in reference to their thinking. A) David said the Bible is a lamp to our feet and a light to our way. Psalms 119:105. B) Peter said that he and the other apostles had all things given to them that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). C) Jude said we are to contend earnestly for the Faith that is once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). The only hope we have of ever being united is to all understand the Bible alike. It would help if people took things in their context and stopped trying to mix up their theories with what the Bible says. Man's theories cause them to understand verses wrong and to misapply so much of the Bible. Lay aside any preconceived ideas and take the Bible for what it says. In Conclusion we hope that this study helps you appreciate the solid stance of the Bible being an all sufficient guide in religion. If there are further questions or refutation to the answers we give please contact us.
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